Namibia's Police Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, has clarified that there is no law prohibiting travelers from bringing Angola’s popular "cuca" beer or fuel into Namibia for personal use. Shikongo made the statement during the launch of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance project for the Namibian Police at Oshakati on Friday.
He criticized inconsistent enforcement at border points, urging police officers and Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) officials to better understand the legal provisions regarding cross-border trade. Shikongo emphasized the need for proper training for officials on what is permissible to bring into Namibia and what constitutes an offense.
He questioned why border officials confiscate goods clearly intended for personal use, such as fuel or Cuca beer, which he said have no legal restrictions. "There is no law that says you cannot bring cuca or fuel into Namibia," Shikongo stated. He also stressed that when items are seized, the correct legal procedures must be followed, including registering the items, providing a receipt, and involving Namra to verify their legality.
Shikongo urged both police and Namra officials to maintain professionalism and avoid misusing their authority. He warned that unprofessional conduct, such as confiscating items without explanation or proper documentation, could harm Namibia’s reputation, particularly for tourists and potential investors.
He criticized inconsistent enforcement at border points, urging police officers and Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) officials to better understand the legal provisions regarding cross-border trade. Shikongo emphasized the need for proper training for officials on what is permissible to bring into Namibia and what constitutes an offense.
He questioned why border officials confiscate goods clearly intended for personal use, such as fuel or Cuca beer, which he said have no legal restrictions. "There is no law that says you cannot bring cuca or fuel into Namibia," Shikongo stated. He also stressed that when items are seized, the correct legal procedures must be followed, including registering the items, providing a receipt, and involving Namra to verify their legality.
Shikongo urged both police and Namra officials to maintain professionalism and avoid misusing their authority. He warned that unprofessional conduct, such as confiscating items without explanation or proper documentation, could harm Namibia’s reputation, particularly for tourists and potential investors.
